Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting

6th Edition

Chapter 2 — Airport Familiarization

Describe airport familiarization training.

Learning Objective 1

2–2

Airport firefighters must be familiar with both the airport and the immediately surrounding area.

2–3

REVIEW QUESTION

Why is it necessary for ARFF personnel to be familiar with all parts of the airport and surrounding

area?

2–4

Explain different airport types and classifications.

Learning Objective 2

2–5

There are two basic types of airports.

2–6

Airports are classified by various agencies in order to determine the level of fire protection needed.

2–7

REVIEW QUESTION

What is the difference between controlled and uncontrolled

airports?

2–8

Compare the different legs of a typical traffic pattern.

Learning Objective 3

2–9

All aircraft must enter the airport via a traffic pattern, unless otherwise directed by air traffic control.

2–10

REVIEW QUESTION

When might aircraft use a straight-in approach rather than a typical traffic pattern?

2–11

Recognize systems used to designate runways and taxiways.

Learning Objective 4

2–12

Runways are distinguished by numbers and letters.

2–13

Runways will also have safety areas surrounding it.

2–14

250 ft (75 m)

250 ft (75 m)

150 ft (45 m)1000-2000 ft (300-600 m)

1000-2000 ft (300-600 m)

Taxiways are specially designated roadways for aircraft surface movement.

2–15

REVIEW QUESTION

What method is used to number airport runways?

2–16

Identify airport markings, lighting, and signage.

Learning Objective 5

2–17

Runway and taxiway surface lighting is standard at airports.

2–18

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Markings of different sizes and shapes are also used at airports.

2–19

Different colored markings are also used at airports.

2–20

Red and white lines designate an “envelope.”

2–21

Zipper markings indicate an aircraft maneuvering area.

2–22

(Cont.)

Mandatory instruction signs provide instructions that must be obeyed.

2–23

Runway hold positions signs indicate stop ahead.

2–24

“White on red – stop

ahead”

Location signs identify runways, taxiways, and other specific airport locations.

2–25

“Yellow on black – tell where you’re at”

Direction signs identify the direction of taxiways leading out from an intersection.

2–26

“Black on yellow – tell a fellow”

Destination signs indicate destinations around the airport.

2–27

Other signs on the runway provide information to pilots.

2–28

WARNING

Understand that aircraft ALWAYS have the right-of-way, unless directed otherwise by Air Traffic Control Tower personnel. ARFF apparatus drivers failing to understand or obey airport ground lighting, markings, or signs can lead to accidents as well as runway incursions.

2–29

REVIEW QUESTION

What types of signage might an airport firefighter encounter on

the airport?

2–30

Determine the impact of airport design on ARFF responses.

Learning Objective 6

2–31

The segmented circle is an airport marker system often located in the center of the airport.

2–32

ARFF personnel and airport support personnel use grid maps to identify ground locations.

2–33

The RRA and CRFAA should be identified on the grid map.

2–34

ARFF personnel must be familiar with the topography of the airport and its immediate surrounding area.

2–35

Airport terminals hold several areas of concern for emergency responders.

2–36

Life Safety

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and Storage Areas

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Aircraft maintenance facilities can hold a variety of hazards.

2–37

Some runways are equipped with an Emergency Material Arresting System (EMAS).

2–38

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Taxiways provide a link between different parts of the airport.

2–39

ARFF personnel should use caution around run-up areas.

2–40

Safety areas are an integral part of the runway system.

2–41

ARFF personnel should be able to identify navigation aids and know their locations on the airport.

2–42

WARNING

Several navigation aids pose an electrical hazard to firefighters. The airfield lighting system and navigational aids operate on high-voltage electrical systems. Firefighters should avoid contact with these devices.

2–43

Roads and bridges on and off the airport must be able to support ARFF apparatus.

2–44

Airport ramps/aprons tend to be the most congested areas of an airport.

2–45

WARNING

NEVER drive a motor vehicle under a wing of an aircraft, regardless of the size of the vehicle or the airplane!

2–46

Be on the lookout for foreign object debris (FOD) on airport driving surfaces.

2–47

Controlled access points eliminate unnecessary or unauthorized traffic.

2–48

Fences and gates pose a barrier to ARFF personnel using other-than-normal exit points.

2–49

The isolation area is a predetermined area designed for temporary parking ofaircraft.

2–50

Fixed systems and mobile supplies of water are available for airport fire protection.

2–51

Fueling operations are a constant hazard.

2–52

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The most common method of aircraft fuel delivery is tank trucks.

2–53

Courtesy of E

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Fuel vapors have numerous ignition sources.

2–54

Fire extinguishers must be of appropriate size and type, and must be readily accessible.

2–55

The airport drainage system is designed to control the flow of spilled fuel.

2–56

REVIEW QUESTION

How does the design and layout of an airport impact day-to-day airport fire fighting operations?

2–57

Explain the importance of a central location for airport fire stations.

Learning Objective 7

2–58

Airport fire stations are strategically and centrally located.

2–59

REVIEW QUESTION

What is the purpose of an airport fire station observation tower?

2–60

• In order to perform their jobs safely and efficiently, airport firefighters must be thoroughly familiar with the airport itself.

• Airport firefighters must understand the type and classification of airport they work at to better understand the aircraft rescue and fire fighting requirements needed by that airport.

Summary

2–61

(Cont.)

• Familiarity with the airport saves in response time and may save lives, while protecting the safety of the responders.

Summary

2–62